The emergency intervention by MSF at the earthquake in El Salvador is entering a quieter phase after the first two hectic weeks. Many international NGO's have left however MSF is continuing its intervention. El Salvador was struck by the earthquake on January 12, 2001.

Current activities focus on: medical attention in remote villages in different departments; prevention of cholera; mental health; and distribution of sufficient clean water supplies, sanitation and tents. In addition, there are 40 suspected cases of classic dengue fever, of which 13 are confirmed.

But it seems that only one patient was infected after the quake. The risk of a new outbreak is low since population immunity is high because of the serotype used during the outbreak at the end of last year. The Rotavirus outbreak still continues (220 cases per 100,000). MSF is also rehabilitating five surgical wards in the main public hospital of San Salvador as well as ten patient dispensaries in the Maternity Hospital.